Tri
loom weaving can be done with one continuous yarn. If your yarn is thin
or you want more color or texture you can use two or three stands
together and weave them as one.
I am using a single thin yarn here to make it easier to see.
Start by tieing a slip knot in the loose end of your yarn. Leave the
tail long enough to blend into the fringe or to be woven back into the
shawl.
Put it over the first nail at the top of your loom and take the yarn
across the loom just under the row of nails to the first nail on the
other side of the top of your loom.
You do not want to pull the yarn tight. If you do not leave it slightly
loose it will become almost to tight to weave when you get to the
center of the shawl because of the take up caused by weaving over and
under.
If you weave with the yarn stretched it will cause the shawl to become
smaller after you remove it from the loom and the tension is released.
Wrap the yarn around the nail and bring it to the outside of the first nail on the side of the loom.
Take the yarn between
the 2nd and the 3rd
nails on the side
and back across the loom to the other side.
Take the yarn around the outside of the 2nd nail on the side and up
over the first row of yarn and over the top of the 2nd nail on the Top.
Weave the yarn under the first row and over the second row of yarn then hook it around the 3rd nail on the side.
Here is the Magic part of Tri Loom weaving with a Continuous thread. As
you wove the yarn the other end of the yarn was also weaving through
the rows of yarn for the other end of the loom.
Pull the bottom of the loop of yarn over to the other side and hook it around the third nail on the side.
Because of this weaving on both sides caused by weaving with a loop in your
yarn you only have to weave half the nails on the loom and plaids come
out balanced on both sides of the shawl.
The weaving will fill in toward the middle from each side as you weave.
Now use your hook or fingers to weave under and over through the rows
and pull your yarn down through the weaving, hook it over the next empty side nail
and take it across to the other side.
Hook it around the next empty side nail,straighten the weaving and continue weaving until you reach the middle of the shawl.
If you want to change colors or need to add more yarn see the directions for changing colors.
As you weave the rows will get pulled out of line somewhat.
I use a plastic hair pick with a pointed end to move them back.The pointed end can be used to move individual rows or squares.
Every 5 or 10 rows check to see if your top row is still up against
the nails and if youhave skipped or doubled up on any side nails.
Also as you weave don't forget to check the tension on your yarn before
you start weaving the next row.
If it feels tight pull back a little
yarn to loosen it before you weave the next row.
When your weaving reaches the middle stop and pull the end of your yarn
down to measure the length you need to reach the bottom and make the
fringe. Then add a little more as there is take up when you weave and
you will have to tie a knot.
Much nicer to have to trim off a little extra rather then come up short.
I like to use a long tapestry needle to weave the final row. Thread
your needle then weave down between the last two middle rows. Pull the
yarn through and tie a knot at the bottom to secure your weaving.
Straighten any rows that are crooked. I use a string a foot longer then the hypotenous of my loop with weights on each end. Hang it vertically or horizontally
between nails on each side of the loom to act as a plumb bob to give a
straight line to guide your straightening.
Use a crochet hook to help ease the weaving off the nails and clear of the loom.
You may finish the shawl off by putting on a fringe before or after you take it
off the loom (see How-To directions) or you can crochet or knit an
edging around it.
To wash your shawl fold it into a shape that will fit into a tub or
basin of warm soapy water. If it is made from a natural fiber that will
felt don't agitate it. Gently press it down till it is covered then let
it soa
k.
Non felting or shrinking yarns can be gently sloshed around to help
clean them. Support the shawl with your hands and let the water drain
then place it in clean water. Repeat the rinsing until the soap is gone.
Wrap the shawl in a towel and run it through the spin cycle only of the
washing maching to force out most of the water. Lay the shawl out flat,
pull into shape and let it dry.
